The Mayor gets his flu jab at the North End Road Medical Centre
The borough’s first citizen has taken steps to ensure he’s protecting himself against influenza this winter and is urging others to do the same.
The Mayor, Cllr Michael Cartwright, has urged eligible people to take advantage of the free vaccinations available to protect against the potentially dangerous virus, after he visited the North End Road Medical Centre, in West Kensington last week, for his own.
An estimated 25,000 H&F residents are expected to catch the virus, and now Public Health England has launched its annual “Stay Well This Winter” campaign, highlighting how those most at risk can best protect themselves.
“We want to make sure all those who are more at risk of complications from the virus are aware of the free vaccine – that includes children, pregnant women, or residents with existing medical conditions Getting vaccinated could save your life,” said Cllr Cartwright.
Free flu vaccinations are available across Hammersmith & Fulham for anyone fitting the criteria listed below. And parents don’t need to worry as children receive their vaccination through a painless nasal spray.
For most people, flu comes with the normal unpleasant symptoms such as fever, cough, headaches and joint pains. But for some at-risk residents, it can lead to severe complications that may even be fatal.
Who should have the vaccination?
- Everyone aged 65 and over
- People aged under 65 with heart conditions, severe asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, liver disease, diabetes, kidney disease or a lowered immunity
- All pregnant women
- School children in reception or years one, two, three and four
- Two- and three-year-old children
- Everyone living in a residential or nursing home
- Anyone who cares for an older or disabled person
- All carers in the borough, whether employed in a care home, nursing home or via an agency who show their ID badge
- Residents who live with someone who is immunocompromised
- All frontline health and social care workers
You can have your flu vaccination at:
- Your GP surgery – please contact your surgery to book an appointment or to find out if they run an open access flu clinic.
- Some local pharmacies offers the service for adults.
- For pregnant women, please contact your GP surgery to book an appointment or to find out if they run an open access flu clinic, your midwifery service may offer this to you
- For school children in reception and years 1, 2, 3, and 4, your school will notify you if they are offering flu clinics.
It is best to get your flu vaccination as early as possible in the autumn, so contact your GP now to find out more about their flu clinic dates and get yourself and your loved ones protected this winter.
